Page 49 of Disgraced (Russian Sinners 3)

Dimitry stopped her. “Keep it on.”

“Thanks,” she murmured softly. Although she watched him with wariness, there was something in her eyes as she watched my brother. I couldn’t quite pinpoint what it was… distrust, trust for protection, or something entirely different.

As she stepped out of the car, she winced and it felt like a punch in the gut. Her knuckles turned white gripping the large jacket around herself, hiding her body. The sorrow and regret unlike I had ever experienced before hit me right in my face. It was the worst slap in the face, the worst eye opener. I didn’t deserve my brothers, Scarlett, nor anything good in my life.

Anastasia continued watching us warily, trying to appear strong but I could see fear and anxiety written all over her face.

“Remember Nikolai,” Dimitry spoke softly to her. She nodded, her hand visibly shaking as she went to move a piece of hair out of her face. A sharp breath left her as she noticed blood all over her hand and her eyes frantically searched her body looking for a source.

“It’s not yours,” Nikolai told her gently.

“Oh, okay.”

Fuck, what have I done?Whatever I had to do, I would make it up to this woman. I swore on my own life. I might not be able to profess it to her, but I would hold up that promise. I would make it up to her. Even if it cost me my life, I owed her my protection.

“Since Dimitry won’t introduce me, I’m Sergei,” I went to introduce myself and took a step forward, reaching out my hand for a handshake. Anastasia flinched and immediately took a step back, towards Dimitry.

A heartbeat of silence.

“I’m sorry,” she whispered, her eyes big on her face. “I… it was a reflex.”

“No worries.” I couldn’t blame her. She should spit in my face, hit me, shoot me after what she endured. I deserved nothing less.

“There is a doctor who can check you out and make sure you are okay.” Dimitry told her, keeping his voice low and calm. But I knew my brother. He was furious underneath that mask, wanted to go back and kill all the men who caused this woman pain.

Anastasia’s eyes shifted to my brother, and her eyes glistened with tears. Then she blinked, several times. I saw her take several calming breaths, and I could totally relate.

“Thank you,” she answered my brother softly. She seemed to feel safe around Dimitry, her body shifting towards him and her eyes mostly on him. “I would really like to take a shower first.” Then as if she realized she didn’t use enough manners, she added, “Please.”

Scarlett would forever hate me if she found out I kidnapped her friend. Even if they weren’t close. Although now I wondered.What have I done?

“Sure,” Dimitry answered. “I can show you to your room and your bathroom.”

“Are you sure it is best that you show her the bedroom, Dimitry?” I asked my brother in Russian. Even if I had to protect Anastasia from my brother, I would. I owed her after what I had done to her. “You seem quite enthralled with the woman. It is the last thing she needs right now.”

Dimitry stiffened slightly, then spat back at me in Russian. “Mind your own damn business, Sergei. She is under my protection.”

“I am so sick and tired of Russians speaking Russian around me,” Anastasia announced, glaring at both of us. “If you want to say something that concerns me, any of you, speak English. At least until I can learn this damn language.” Her eyes traveled between all three of us, then returned to Dimitry. “If my father insists you cannot take me home, I would like Rosetta Stone for Russian… please.”

My lip quirked slightly. She certainly had manners. Even when pissed off, she didn’t forget her please and thank you.

A heartbeat of silence and it was broken by Nikolai’s laugh.

“I like you,” he told her smiling. She stared at him like he was crazy.

“That is a bizarre response, but okay,” she muttered.

I smiled at her and announced, “Ok, princess. We’ll speak English when we talk about you. Do you want to know what I said to Dimitry?”

She eyed both of us warily, then finally answered, “No. I’d rather have that shower now.”

Nikolai and I watched her and Dimitry walk into the house. As soon as they were out of the earshot, I spoke to my brother.

“Do you think it is smart that we stay here?” I asked him. “This place is not exactly a secret.”

“Dimitry mentioned we’ll be moving in a day or two,” Nikolai answered, watching me. “How are you, brother?”

“Good,” I answered curtly. I couldn’t very well tell him I started all this shit by bending to Boris’ men because they followed Scarlett to me.

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